Orange Scones

I'm sorry I've been so remiss about posting.  It's not that I haven't been baking; on the contrary I've been baking more than ever.  I am currently participating in a fundraising effort for an micro finance organization I am involved with.  I've baked about 200 cupcakes now and there is no end it sight.  When things slow down I hope to share some of the recipes with you.  For now, relax with a lovely orange scone.  I found this recipe on the Pastry Affair and fell in love.  These are sinfully delicious and the perfect way to begin a lovely spring day!

Scones

1 3/4 cup flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup white sugar
Zest of 1 orange
Pinch of salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

Orange Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease and prepare a large baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or a fork and mix until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the orange juice and sour cream until just blended. Be careful not to over mix the dough- you don’t want tough scones!

3. Transfer the dough to a pre-floured surface and flatten into a 9 inch circle about a ½ inch in height.  Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.  Whisk the egg and milk together and lightly brush on the tops of the scones.

4. Bake for 12 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned. Cool until room temperature before glazing.

5. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. If too thick, add more orange juice until it is smooth. Drizzle lightly over scones.